The Seattle Mariners may have pulled off what could be remembered as the best in-season trade in franchise history. On July twenty fourth, the team made a major move ahead of the MLB deadline by acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Everyone in Seattle knows how the story unfolded. Naylor immediately delivered everything the Mariners hoped for and more, solidifying a position that had been a clear weakness. His addition helped fuel the deepest postseason run the organization has ever had, one that ended a single win short of the club’s first World Series appearance.
During the regular season, Naylor batted two ninety nine with an eight thirty one OPS and collected nineteen extra base hits in fifty four games for Seattle. He played excellent defense and brought unexpected speed, leading the team with nineteen steals after arriving.
Once the playoffs began, Naylor elevated his performance even further. He paced the Mariners with sixteen hits, posted a three forty average and a nine sixty seven OPS, all while facing the toughest pitching the American League had to offer. His personality and energy also made him a quick favorite among teammates and fans.
Seattle recently secured Naylor for five additional seasons with a new contract, a clear signal of the team’s commitment to pushing toward a World Series breakthrough.
In an interview on Seattle Sports with Brock and Salk, general manager Justin Hollander explained how the deal for Naylor unfolded. He described how he and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto each handle negotiations with specific teams, and Arizona happens to fall within his area. Because of that, he had already built a strong working relationship with Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen and assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye.
Hollander reflected on Seattle’s June series in Arizona, which the Diamondbacks swept in part due to Naylor’s impact. He stayed in regular contact with Sawdaye about the possible availability of both Naylor and Eugenio Suárez. Eventually, Arizona reached a point in their season where they were willing to discuss moves. After several proposal exchanges, the Diamondbacks suddenly called with a specific offer. Hollander’s instinct was to accept.
He consulted Dipoto, and both agreed the value was right. The Mariners sent pitching prospects Ashton Izzi and Brandyn Garcia to Arizona, finalizing the deal after receiving approval from team chairman John Stanton.
Hollander explained that having the trade completed a week before the deadline helped, since it gave the Mariners extra games with Naylor on their roster.